There is something especially comforting about a slow cooker meal that asks so little of you and gives so much back by dinnertime. This simple pork recipe leans on just a handful of pantry staples, with Boston butt doing the heavy lifting thanks to its rich marbling that keeps it tender and juicy through a long, gentle cook. It is the kind of dependable family meal that fills the house with a cozy, sweet-smoky aroma and makes busy days feel a little easier.
Serve this pulled pork on soft sandwich buns, over mashed potatoes, or piled onto baked potatoes for an easy supper. For sides, I like classic coleslaw, dill pickles, baked beans, corn on the cob, or a simple macaroni salad. If you are feeding a crowd, set out extra barbecue sauce, sliced rolls, and a crisp salad so everyone can build their own plate.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
Servings: 8
Ingredients
1 boneless Boston butt pork roast, 4 to 5 pounds
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 can (12 ounces) Dr Pepper
1 1/2 cups barbecue sauce
Directions
1. Pat the Boston butt dry with paper towels, then rub the onion powder all over the pork so it is evenly seasoned on every side.
2. Place the seasoned pork in the slow cooker. Pour the Dr Pepper around and partly over the roast, then cover with the lid.
3. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
4. Remove the pork to a large bowl or cutting board and shred it with two forks, discarding any large pieces of fat if needed.
5. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker, stir in the barbecue sauce, and let it warm through for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
For milder flavor: Use a sweet, mild barbecue sauce if you are serving little ones or anyone who does not love smoky or spicy flavors. This keeps the pork family-friendly and easy to pair with simple sides.
Make it saucier: If your family likes extra saucy pulled pork for sandwiches, stir in an additional 1/2 cup barbecue sauce at the end. I also like to save a little sauce for the table so everyone can add more if they want.
Skim the fat: Boston butt stays wonderfully moist because of its fat, but after cooking you can spoon off some of the fat from the slow cooker juices before mixing the pork back in if you want a lighter finish.
Easy bun supper: Serve the pork on toasted buns with coleslaw tucked right inside for a complete sandwich. It is one of those easy crowd-pleasers that works well for game days, potlucks, and casual weekend dinners.
Storage tip: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully. Add a splash of the cooking juices or a little more barbecue sauce before reheating to keep the pork moist.